Four Apps + Naps

Yahoo Weather

This app is a MILLION times better than the Weather Channel’s app. I got so tired of clicking all these random buttons on TWC and came across the Yahoo one in an app roundup one day. I can’t rave about it enough. First off, it’s gorgeous. You see a photo of your city in the current weather condition when you open it along with the temperature. To see more info, you simply scroll down. The forecast, hourly, map, chance of rain and even sun + moon info are all in one big list. Add another city and swipe right to view more. I just love this improvement to my weather-tracking life! It has a great Android widget too.

Mobile Check Deposit with Bank Apps

I seem to go to the bank all the time to deposit checks. (A good problem to have, I suppose!) One day I was thinking that I had a vague recollection of a way to deposit checks via a bank app. Sure enough, this technology existed and I wasn’t using it! Through the above apps (and I’m sure other banks have this too) you can take a photo of both sides of a check and submit it all through your phone. Within a few hours the check is deposited. Yay technology!

Public Broadcasting

I decided I wanted to listen to more talk radio, and after trying a few apps this is the best one I’ve found. I listen to it on my walks with Mazen (when my mom isn’t available to talk!) I love that you can fully download the podcasts instead of streaming and using data. My favorite programs so far are This American Life, Earth Eats, The Moth Podcast and Life Habits ( <—my favorite because it’s all about organization!) Would love some more recommendations!

Voxer

This app has been so great for quick communication between those you text all the time. My friends and I use it to coordinate play dates and meet ups and Matt and I use it for complicated messages “So if you leave the bakery at 5pm, do you think we could meet you at 5:20 at this park and then walk…” you get the picture! It’s great when there is too much to type but email is too formal. And it’s great when you only have one hand free (like when you’re stroller walking). Matt and I used to use a similar app called Hey Tell, but it was not reliable and important messages often went without a notification. So far, Voxer is flawless.

Now for those napkins!

Jennifer of Dot & Army wrote to thank me for writing about my sister’s wedding napkins and linking to her store. (She has some amazing designs!) She sent me a set of her seersucker napkins as a thank you. And I have a set to give away as well!

Thanks for the weather app recommendation! I hated the one that came with my phone (it was never accurate) and usually just ended up having to google the weather every day. So far I’m really liking how this app looks and handles.

I love to listen to podcasts while I walk (and walk, and walk…) my dog. If you like This American Life, you’ll also like Radio Lab. I love the Joy the Baker podcast “about totally important unimportant things”. It makes me smile and a new episode motivates me to get moving even if I’m tired.